Acting

Acting has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember now. I have many past projects that have helped shape who I am today, and upcoming ones that are even more meaningful. But this is only one facet of who I am. It's my job and I love what I do. I get to play make-believe, tell a story and sometimes learn other professions in the process. And hopefully along the way I can either touch someone's life in a significant way or possibly even help them escape for a period of time to a space of peace or perhaps even laughter. ~Shannon

Animal Avengers

Ganesha Productions

Ganesha Productions is my production umbrella. We currently have a slate of projects that are meaningful to me and hopefully, will ultimately, be moving for you. We're always seeking great partners to collaborate with, and we'll always be seeking funding to turn our dreams into a reality!

Our first focus is a script called Hazard, based on the Richard Marx #1 hit of the same name.

I am also adding the title of "director" to my repertoire. Am very much looking forward to directing Hazard, among other great projects that come my way! ~Shannon

Photography

I started taking pictures for fun and just fell in love with how powerful an image can be. It can tell an entire story without speaking a word. I am taking my camera back to South Africa with me so I can document everything and hopefully return with some powerful, silent stories to tell. My wish is that they quietly speak volumes. ~Shannon

Pet Health

My dogs are my kids and there are so many things I do for them to keep them healthy every day, just as I do for myself.

Please let me start by saying I’m not a vet. These are only suggestions and ways I like to treat my dogs. All pets are different and only you can know what you feel is right at any given time for your babies.

I like to feed my kids (dogs) in a way that simulates how they would eat in the wild. I believe this is the best way to avoid and prevent diseases. So many diseases pets get don’t exist in nature. They only came about with the invention of processed dog foods, which should tell you all you need to know right there. It might cost a little more to feed them this way…but it pays for itself in the lack of vet bills many times over-especially as the get older.

I can’t speak to the sourcing of the meat other than what’s noted below. I wish I could know the animals are killed for the meat in a humane way and treated well their entire life to that point. I just do what I can and what I believe is right for them at the present. As I learn of new products, I sometimes change what I feed them or believe in at that time. But right now, this is where I’m at.

I give 2 of my dogs this food from their Premium Line. I only get the Beef, Duck & Turkey. The Bison is too pricey for me and a lot of dogs have chicken allergies. So I stay away from all chicken. They deliver the amount I need monthly right to my building.

They use human-quality, USDA-approved meats & vegetables, no steroids, hormones or chemical preservatives and no grains, cereals or other fillers. The premium line has free-range meat & organic vegetables.

They have a trial offer for 10lbs delivered for $14.95. I tried that to see if my dogs liked it, and they do. Plus living in NYC now, it’s so great to have 20lbs of dog food automatically delivered to my door every month.

I’m vegan, but I don’t believe my dogs should be. They wouldn’t be in the wild. So that’s why I choose to feed them this way.

My small dog doesn’t love the raw meat and Stella’s offers a freeze-dried version of their raw meat. I get her the Surf ‘N Turf. Their meat is also cold pressed & they use organic vegetables, grass-fed meats and wild caught fish…

SUPPLEMENTS

There are many supplements I add to the food everyday. A lot of the food already has some supplements mixed in, but I like to add my own specific for my dogs’ needs.

From Dr. Pitcairn’s book (I list his book as a resource below), I use his Healthy Powder. I add a little of this to their food everyday:

Mix all ingredients well and keep refrigerated. Add to each recipe as needed or combine with commercial food (1-2 teaspoons per day for small dogs, 2-3 teaspoons for medium size, and 1-2 tablespoons per day for large dogs).

I love the products at Well-Pet Dispensary. My friend’s father, a holistic vet for over 30 years, created these products and I have spoken to him a few times about my pets and what they need. He’s very knowledgeable and helpful, as is the website…

I don’t feed my dogs raw meaty bones anymore only because I have no outside area for them to take them into to eat. But it is something I highly recommend for anyone able to. In the wild, wolves make a kill and eat the stomachs first, which is digested vegetables, and then they go for the raw meaty bones. And yes, even chicken bones are fine to feed dogs AS LONG AS THEY ARE RAW ONLY. It’s the cooked chicken bones that become brittle and could puncture an organ when eaten.

SICK

If my dog is sick and I feel like needs some kind of antibiotic, I always try giving this herbal remedy first before going to the vet-if it seems minor. I love their products!

I have discovered this company and love their products, for both people and pets! They have supplements now too, which I haven’t tried. But their shampoos and cleaning products are great because they’re all natural & chemical free. Check out their ingredients.

The cousins have transformed their journeys into jewelry. Their pieces are inspired by their encounters, their travels, and the icons and gurus they have met on their quest for peace and enlightenment.

Shansen Jewelry is a collection of handmade bracelets and necklaces, and mix and match stackables. They combine semi-precious gemstones and messages that inspire energy, individuality, and courage to those who wear them.

~a portion of all profits always goes to charity!

Meditation

Inner quiet is the key to inner peace.

Meditation is a great way to connect with your true self. This world is so hectic and we often forget how to slow down and really look at what the Universe is giving us. Meditation is a great way of doing that.

Some people think of meditation as a time you must sit quietly and clear your mind.

Meditation to others can be active. It can also include chanting and visualization.

For those unable to just clear your head of all the clutter, I find that chanting is a great tool. When done correctly, it becomes a flow of words filled with an energy that helps to take you into a different state of consciousness.

I have included some of my favorite chants at this point in time.

Something else I have truly grown to love is Kundalini yoga for meditation. It really isn't yoga to me. It isn't as active as the yoga I grew up with. It's more about internal work, and I've found that a good Kundalini class really raises my vibration. I walk out of each session literally buzzing with energy and happiness. But I have to admit, it took me awhile to find a class I connected with and thought was authentic.

Don't give up. Keep trying until you find something you connect to. Whether it be a quiet meditation, yoga or chanting, the benefits you will receive should be swift and noticeable. Just make sure you're eyes are open and your heart is ready to receive.